More than 300 march through Springfield's North End to take back streets from gang violence

06/30/10-Springfield-Staff Photo by Dave Roback-The Coalition of Hispanic Ministers of Western Mass organized a march in Springfield's North End to raise awareness about violence in Springfield. Here marchers head up Jefferson Street.

SPRINGFIELD - Led by a group of ministers from area Latino churches, more than 300 people marched through the city’s North End Wednesday afternoon to rally the community to take a stand against crime.

Carrying signs, chanting and singing songs, the marchers paraded south along Main Street to Jefferson Street and then over to Calhoun Park. There, at an hour-long rally, speakers appealed to God, the city’s political, civic and religious leaders, and its residents to unite in the fight against crime.

“We are spreading a message of awareness. We will not take it any more. We want our streets back, said Rev. Ramon Arce of Iglesia De Dio Pentecostal.

“We are trying to let people know that we need to get involved,” Arce said. “The churches are united against violence and gangs - There is an other alternative.”

The march and rally was organized by the Coalition of Latino Ministers of Western Massachusetts, which represents 10 to 12 churches in the area.

At the rally, speakers prayed to God and recited Gospel verses, and a band played spiritual music. But there was also practical advice, in Spanish and in English, about neighbors looking after neighbors, about trusting the police, and about having zero tolerance for gangs, drugs and any type of violence.

There was also a bilingual explanation of Text-A-Tip, the anonymous crime tip service employed by city police.

“I think it is great. The community is coming together. And what a crowd!” said Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. “This cannot hurt; it can only help.”

Sarno said that in his capacity as mayor has taken part in several community walks in recent months as neighbors through out the city seek to reclaim neighborhoods. He said the size — and the energy — of the North End rally was unbelievable.

Organizers estimated the size of the crowd to be about 300 people.

Arce said Wednesday’s rally was not a one-time event. Other activities are planned in different parts of the city that are also affected by crime, he said.

“If we can reach one person that can leave the drugs gangs and violence, it make a difference,” he said. “One soul at a time.”